Stirling, Ontario is definitely the place to be this summer. Not only is it one of the most picturesque hidden gems in Ontario, but it's also hosting two uniquely-Canadian can't-miss events! Do you like cheese? Wine? Midway rides? Sheep? The Tragically Hip? Read on!

The always popular demolition derby and one of the largest amusement setups by Homeniuk Amusement Rides featuring the Music Fest and their classic ferris wheel is sure to draw large crowds.

The Stirling Agricultural Fair - Aug 18-20thIf you've ever wanted to attend a proper agricultural fair, this is your opportunity. The Stirling Fair brings together all the traditional elements of an agricultural fair, including horse and pony pulls, sheep shearing, homecraft, and tractor pulls, and combines them with top-notch entertainment, food, and rides.

The fun begins at 5pm on Friday night, with live music, food vendors, beer garden, and a classic midway featuring all your favourite rides, including the Ferris Wheel. Canadian country superstars, the James Barker Band, will be in the house playing their latest songs to get you up dancing, and the Xtreme Freestyle Motorcross (FMX) Show is guaranteed to get your motor going.

Saturday promises to be a fun day, with tons to do for the whole family, including midway rides and a petting zoo. The Antique Tractor Pulls begin at 1 pm, followed by a fashion show, wrestling on the main stage, adrenaline-pumping FMX show, and the crowd-pleasing Big Daddy Demolition Derby. Don't miss Almost Hip's tribute to the Tragically Hip on the main stage at 9pm.

What makes the Stirling Agricultural Fair so special is their attention to the Agricultural shows such as - Horse/Pony Pulls, Horse Show, 4-H, Beef show, goat show and sheep shearing.

“We are very excited about this year's line up because we've made some minor changes to our schedule to make Saturday an action-packed day with lots of different events for the whole family to enjoy,” says Stirling Agricultural Society President Colin Crowe. “This has allowed us to make Sunday a more agricultural geared day to wrap up a successful weekend for the Stirling Agricultural Society Inc.”

Sunday's line up is perfect for the farming enthusiasts, featuring the traditional truck and tractor pull, beef show, and homecraft. There will also be loads of food, entertainment, and blacksmith and woodcarving demonstrations throughout the day. Learn more at StirlingFair.com

The Stirling Water Buffalo Food Festival - September 16, 2017Have you ever met a water buffalo? Or tried a scoop of water buffalo ice cream? Well, here's your chance! Admission is free, and there will be a huge variety of water buffalo food products to try, from different cuts of meats, to water buffalo milk products like mozzarella di bufala, ricotta, milkshakes, and creamy gelato.

The Stirling Lions and Stirling Rotary clubs joined forces to create one of the busiest and most successful food booths at the 2016 festival. Hugh Hoard (Lions) is flanked by Rotarians Donna Graff and Shelley Hagerman (holding the Water Buffalo Poutine) as Dean Graff and Bill Lewis look on.

Madeline Cooney of Stirling seems to be enjoying the talents of Christopher The Twistopher at the 2016 Stirling Water Buffalo Festival. The Balloon Sculptor Extraordinaire entertained for hours in the festival’s Kidz Zone.

This festival was recognized as Hastings' top festival of 2016, and it's no wonder why. There's so much to see and do. Live theatre and music, including Country/Rock favourite Dave Bush and the Stirling Citizen's Big Band will play throughout the day on Mill Street, and there will be lots of exhibits to enjoy, including a kid's zone featuring ballon-artist Christopher the Twistopher, Mader the Truck, water buffalo rides, face painting, and crafts.

Want the perfect wine to pair with your buffalo? You're in luck. Hastings County's first boutique winery, Potter Settlement (which recently won the silver medal at the prestigious National Wine Awards of Canada!), will be offering tastings and pairings, so remember to bring your designated driver, and some money for samples.

“The air in Stirling is thick with anticipation,” says Kenn Deck, President of the Stirling Lion's Club. “We have grown our festival from 700 people attending to over 2500 people in three short years, due to the cooperation between the Stirling Lions and Rotary Clubs with support of the Ontario Water Buffalo Company. This year we have an expanded line up of foods and live music. We are hoping to repeat last years' accomplishment of Hastings County Festival of the Year!”

The scene on Mill Street in Stirling as well over 2,500 people took in the 8th annual Water Buffalo Festival. Vendors offered up reasonably priced food samples, all made from water buffalo products. The event was organized by the local Lions and Rotary Clubs and a fundraising success.

Please note, parking is limited, but there will be ample space available at the arena, with free shuttles to the downtown festival. Learn more at www.facebook.com/WaterBuffFest/

Both of these events promise tons of fun for the whole family – so make sure you mark your calendar, and share this post with your friends so they can get in on the fun, too!

The Bergsma family from Frankford take a snack break at last year’s Water Buffalo Festival on Mill Street in Stirling. Despite occasional rain showers the event drew well over 2,500 people.